The ongoing Jana Nayagan censor controversy has taken a sharp political turn…”
NEW DELHI / CHENNAI — January 13, 2026
The political and legal firestorm surrounding actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay’s final cinematic venture, Jana Nayagan, intensified on Tuesday as the battle for its release reached the Supreme Court. The move comes amid a sharp escalation in political rhetoric, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of using the Censor Board to stifle the voice of Tamil Nadu.
The Legal Tug-of-War
Producers KVN Productions LLP moved the Supreme Court today, seeking an urgent ex parte interim stay on the Madras High Court’s recent decision to halt the film’s certification.
The legal drama began on January 9, when a single-judge bench directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate immediately. However, in a swift counter-move, a division bench stayed that order just hours later, effectively blocking the film’s scheduled Pongal release.
In their petition to the apex court, the makers argued that they have invested over ₹500 crore in the project and that the delay is causing “irreparable financial and reputational loss.” Meanwhile, the CBFC has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that no orders be passed without hearing their side of the argument regarding scenes involving the armed forces and alleged religious sensitivities.
“Attack on Tamil Culture”: Rahul Gandhi
The delay has evolved from a cinema-industry hurdle into a major political flashpoint. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to voice his support for the film and the Tamil people.
Other Congress leaders, including Karur MP Jothimani and Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore, echoed these sentiments, alleging that the CBFC is being “weaponized” as a political tool to pressure Vijay following the launch of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The Stakes for Vijay and TVK
Jana Nayagan is widely regarded as Vijay’s “swansong” before he pivots to full-time politics ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Industry experts suggest the film’s political overtones—including the use of initials matching his party—are the root cause of the current friction with the central authorities.
The film’s producer, Venkat K. Narayana, recently apologized to millions of waiting fans, stating that the team “tried every possible way” to meet the release date but was thwarted by “unavoidable circumstances.”
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court is expected to decide on the urgency of the hearing by Wednesday morning. If the court grants an interim stay, the film could see a delayed release later this week. However, with the CBFC standing firm on its requirement for a “Reviewing Committee” to examine the portrayal of defense forces, the deadlock remains.
PingTV will continue to bring you live updates as the Supreme Court takes up the matter.
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